Mathys Tel has already told Mikel Arteta his best position as Arsenal hijack Chelsea transfer

Mathys Tel has already told Mikel Arteta exactly where he wants to play ahead of a potential transfer to Arsenal. The 19-year-old forward faces an uncertain future at Bayern Munich, having failed to force himself into Vincent Kompany's side.

According to The Independent, the Gunners have joined Chelsea in the race to sign Tel, who sees his contract at the Allianz Arena expire in June 2029. The report states that the France Under-21 international was already on Arsenal's radar, but higher-ups were left 'surprised' when they heard that he's become available.

It's said that the German giants want to keep Tel and they're seeking a deal where he can get more game time while retaining the option to bring him back in the future. The report from the Independent adds that the Frenchman would be 'very open' to joining Arsenal due to the club's current status and possibility for game time.

With Kai Havertz struggling to impress and Gabriel Jesus nursing an injury, Tel would be brought in to spearhead Arteta's attack. Interestingly, in an interview with the Bundesliga website back in November 2023, the teenager named two other positions that he can play.

"I'm somewhere between a number nine and a left winger," said Tel. "I can also play on the right, but I'm more comfortable as a striker and on the left. I would say I'm more comfortable on the left compared to the right. I'm right-footed, so it’s harder for me to cut inside from the right."

Last week, Arteta revealed Arsenal are 'actively looking' to sign a striker in the January transfer window. The Gunners boss said: "My opinion is clear. We lost two very important players in Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, so we lack goals, people, and options in the front line.

"It's clear that for the period that we have lost them, ideally, we need some help because we were short already and we're even shorter. The team has still coped with that but we have do what is right for the club.

"If we can get the right player, that's what we are actively looking at, but any player - no, we need someone that makes us better and makes an impact on the team.

"We have very, very short numbers for many, many weeks and they recognise the situation, we all do. That's why we are trying to do what is right for the club, the team, that's our intention."

Then, speaking to reporters on Tuesday ahead of Arsenal's clash against Girona in the Champions League, Arteta was asked if he would be open to improving other areas of the pitch. The Gunners boss said: "Well, there are situations open and I always say the same.

"If we can improve the squad with players that can impact us for now, for the future, we will try to do that if it is the best thing for the club - and I stand on that."

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